Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Mirror finish on aluminum
Q. What is the best way to finish aluminum to a mirror finish and leave no lines at all [besides plating it].
Mike Jenkinsmetal finishing shop - Anthony, Kansas, USA
2004
A. It would depend on whether the parts are needles or tank trucks or motorcycle chainguards, and whether they are extrusions or wrought or diecastings or sand castings. But if you search the site you will see where people have recommended particular grit sequences and polish sequences for specific items a number of times. And then there's bright dipping or electropolishing. Sorry, but there just isn't a "single answer" to a general question, Mike. Try to be pretty specific about what the item is. Thanks.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
Q. Since May 2004 we are having problems with our 6061-T6511 aluminum mirror heads which we machine and have polished, bright-dipped and clear anodized. We had staining which appeared after the bright-dip and anodizing, so we changed our coolant and that problem stopped. Now we have pitting and slits appearing after polishing. We don't know if it is the material or the polishing. We would appreciate your input on this. Thank You.
Karen Brannan- Orange, CA, U.S.A.
2004
A. You can also try Burnishing Process. Bur it all depends upon the component and usage. Can you post a rough sketch, we can suggest a right tool and process.
Srinivasan- Coimbatore, India
2004
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